Dinner theater at California Palms

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Stage Door Academy of the Arts’ first dinner-theater show will be staged at California Palms Hotel beginning this weekend.

Titled “The Great Christmas Quest,” the show is a comedy with audience participation. Performances will take place Sunday and also Dec. 18, and Jan. 8 and 15. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. each day.

Rob Morris is the director of the play, which was written by Kamron Klitgaard of California.

“The Great Christmas Quest” looks in on John, who is filming an infomercial for his latest invention, Invisospray, which makes things disappear. A rival scientist attempts to thwart John’s success by stealing the Invisospray, leaving it up to John and a fast-talking pitch woman to catch the thief.

Audience members will have a chance to help by participating in a scavenger hunt for clues.

While The Stage Door’s central mission is to provide performing arts education to children, one of the nonprofit’s goals is to contribute to the local entertainment scene, said Terri Nobbs, founder and executive director. The upcoming performance of “Quest,” which features an all-adult cast, is one way the academy can connect with the community, she said.

“The kids’ education is our priority, but we want to be an example for them, too,” she said.

Tickets are $34 each and include the show and a buffet dinner provided by The Youngstown Crab Co. Overnight room specials also are available.

Call 330-935-2663 for reservations. California Palms Hotel is located at 1051 N. Canfield-Niles Road, just off state Route 46, at the Interstate 80 interchange area.